Fact or Fiction: Infant Skin Problems

For many parents, especially with their first baby, anything that seems out of the ordinary warrants an immediate call to the doctor. And skin problems, as many veteran parents know, are pretty prevalent in newborns. So how can you tell what will heal on its own and what needs the doctor's attention? This quiz should give you some peace of mind.

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Question 1 of 10

If your baby gets eczema, it will probably turn out to be a chronic condition.

fact

Unfortunately, your child's eczema -- which can appear in babies from 2 to 6 months old -- will most likely continue to flare up.

fiction

almost fact: That's true for adults, but eczema clears up quickly in infants.

Question 2 of 10

The best treatment for impetigo is topical ointment.

fact

fiction

almost fact: Topical treatment is OK for minor cases, but more severe cases call for oral antibiotics.

Highly contagious impetigo, which often appears as oozy crust around the nose, is best treated with oral antibiotics.

Question 3 of 10

Fifth disease involves a rash and then a fever a few days later.

fact

fiction

almost fact: Switch the order: fever first, then the rash.

With Fifth disease, a fever and coldlike symptoms appear first, then a blotchy rash that usually starts on the face. And it clears up in about three weeks, despite the scary name.

Question 4 of 10

Fifth disease is very contagious.

fact

fiction

almost fact: It's only contagious until the rash appears.

A child is no longer contagious once he or she has the Fifth disease rash.

Question 5 of 10

Mild cases of infant jaundice usually don't require treatment.

fact

Mild jaundice cases usually disappear on their own after two or three weeks.

fiction

almost fact: Even mild cases require treatment, usually light therapy.

Question 6 of 10

Infants get jaundice because their lungs aren't fully developed.

fact

fiction

Jaundice actually happens when an infant's liver isn't developed enough to break down bilirubin.